3 Answers
3

By contrast a word which does describe itself is autological or homological.

The word heterological is not merely "paradoxical" in that it describes words which don't describe themselves, it also leads to a paradox all of its own. Consider the question: is the word "heterological" itself heterological or autological?

Given the definition of "heterological", it follows that if "heterological" is heterological then it's autological, and if it's autological then it's heterological.

Downvoters, please indicate why you've cast a downvote, if possible. This answer is an excellent response to the question.
– DanApr 30 at 22:37

1

@Dan answers should be explanatory, this is just a link-drop (without a link).
– JJJMay 1 at 10:37

@JJJ You are correct. Ideally, there should be a link and the definition stated, which would have been a much more helpful comment than the cursory one I left. I apologize.
– DanMay 1 at 11:40

@Dan feel free to propose an edit on that if you think it's a good answer. As long as it's in line with what was posted initially (doesn't conflict with the author's intent) and improves the post, it will be accepted.
– JJJMay 1 at 11:41